Conceptual Ideas

Question 1

Insider/Outsider

Answer 1

Insiders (those who participate in a religion) vs outsiders (those who are studying the religion)
For insiders, the study of religion is religious
Outsiders utilize standards of research
Insiders’ view colored by personal religious commitment
Outsiders’ POV colored by detached analysis and critical reason

Question 2

What are the three definitions of Orientalism?

Answer 2

Anyone who studies the Orient is an Orientalist
The Orient and the Occident are mirror opposites (with the Occident being “civilized” and the Orient being “uncivilized”
Linking knowledge and power. The Occident has the right to dominate the Orient because of their higher status

Question 3

Sacred Canopy

Answer 3

World building done in 3 stages-
1. Externalization - humans making worlds of ideas and beliefs through social interaction
2. Objectification - Social products from 1 become real outside of those who created them
3. Internalization - humans internalize these values and beliefs as presented by society

Question 4

Prototype theory

Answer 4

There is a prototype and all following iterations bear different levels of resemblance (Ex Honda CRV over the years)